National Point of Contact
United Kingdom
Jane MacArthur	Ryan Laird
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SGAC United Kingdom

The UK space sector is thriving, currently achieving consistent growth of over 9% a year, against a backdrop of a troubled economy.  By 2020 this is projected to account for £14bn with 115,000 jobs.  With 57% of its workers currently having a degree, this is one of the most highly skilled industries which will continue its growing need for strong science and engineering graduates. Students and young professionals can get involved through their studies, student societies, conferences and workshops, please get in touch!

Young Space Activities Overview in the United Kingdom

The UK has a number of professional societies listed in the ‘Institutions’ links below. These all hold a varied programme of talks, conferences and events throughout the year which provide a great way to meet like-minded people and network while learning about new aspects of space.

A number of institutions around the country hold space and astronomy festivals targeted to inspire young people, for example Cheltenham listed in the events section below, and University College London (UCL) hold one every autumn (dates tbc).

Most regions of the UK have a local amateur astronomy society for practical observation through telescopes, they often have a schedule of talks and also hold star parties. Brian Cox has boosted awareness and raised enthusiasm markedly throughout the UK for astronomy following his popular Stargazing LIVE, a three day live astronomy event televised in January 2011 and 2012.

Country-Specific Events in 2012

• A conference celebrating 50 years of the UK in space, London (26 - 27 April)
• “In Orbit”, London (2:30pm, 28 April): Lecture given by ESA astronaut Paulo Nespoli at the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)
• Paolo Nespoli & Roberto Vittori visit Bristol (May)
• Merseyside Astronomy Day VII, Liverpool (10:30am, 12 May): An event organised by Liverpool John Moores University’s Astrophysics Research Institute and Spaceport, including a series of talks.
• The Times Cheltenham Science Festival: Space and the Universe, Cheltenham (12 - 17 June)
• Conference of Astronomy and Physics Students, Sheffield (22 - 24 June): Students from around the UK are invited to come together to give short lectures, share ideas and meet other students.
• Apollo 17 Lunar Module Pilot & Moon Walker, Pontefract (7pm 19 October, 6pm 20 October): Lecture by Dr Harrison H Schmitt, first UK appearance in 24 years.

Interesting Web Links for the Young Generation in the UK

Groups